I would not count Ronnie out.
Look what happened in 99: he presented the greatest overall package ever seen on a bodybuilding stage, gut or no gut.
if anyone can do it, Ronnie is the one to get the job done.
if what you said about 99 is true, then the judges would not have called him out in prejudging and the 2nd place winner would have called him untouchable. those things occured in 93 with you know who.
however, i also wouldnt count ronnie out. if anyone can do it, he can. he's had the reputation as the hardest training bber since 98, so maybe he'll work extra hard and be more motivated this year.
but in reality, i think his injuries are too significant for him to overcome.
yates overcame it, but biceps were his worst bodypart so when he tore it, it wasnt a huge deal.
it be like if ronnie tore his calf - so what.
but that fact that those injuries are to his best bodyparts, back and biceps - its significant.
